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Comparison of the VO2 Master Pro and Cosmed K5 During Walking, Jogging, and Running

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Abstract

Aim

Portable devices that accurately detect the composition of expired gases and changes in VO2 open new possibilities in research methodology and accessibility.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the oxygen consumption (VO2) measurements of the VO2 Master Pro (VM) to the Cosmed K5 (K5) during walking, jogging, and running in field and lab conditions.

Methods

Twelve proficient runners, with a current 10 k pace of ≥ 11.29 km/h, performed 3 matched intervals at 3 different speeds (4.82, 8.05, 11.29 km/h) on a treadmill and on an outdoor track. An airflow test was also performed on both devices by pumping air through the devices using a 3 L syringe timed to a metronome at 15, 25, and 35 beats/min.

Results

The VM did not report walking data for most participants. During treadmill running, there were significant differences in VO2 (47.86 ± 3.94 vs. 29.56 ± 4.15 mL/kg/min), ventilation (Ve) (71 vs. 57 mL/min), and tidal volume (TV) (1.89 vs. 1.56 L) between the K5 and VM respectively (P < 0.05). Outdoor analysis also showed significant differences between devices in VO2, Ve, and TV (P < 0.05). The airflow test showed significant differences between the devices in Ve and TV (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

These results suggest that there are significant discrepancies between the K5 and the VM, likely due to differences in TV measurement.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Kinesiology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA

    Alex Toulouse, Gary Oden & Patrick R. Davis

  2. Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Stephen F. Austin University, Nacogdoches, TX, USA

    Dustin Joubert

Authors
  1. Alex Toulouse
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  2. Dustin Joubert
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  3. Gary Oden
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  4. Patrick R. Davis
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the conceptualization and study design. AT & PD conducted data collection and analysis. AT prepared the first manuscript draft. All authors contributed to data interpretation and edits of the manuscript. All authors approved of the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Patrick R. Davis.

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Conflicts of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest or competing interests.

Ethics approval

This study was approved by the university institutional review board.

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All participants provided written informed consent.

Consent for publication

All authors approved of the final draft of the manuscript. Participants consented to publication of de-identified data.

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Toulouse, A., Joubert, D., Oden, G. et al. Comparison of the VO2 Master Pro and Cosmed K5 During Walking, Jogging, and Running. J. of SCI. IN SPORT AND EXERCISE 4, 119–127 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42978-021-00146-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42978-021-00146-w

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